Question

My husband went for a sperm count. They found white blood cells and bacteria in it. They didn`t specify what kind of bacteria, however he has been having problems with it for a long time because he has had a cyst in the duct and pain in the testicle, but more pain shooting up along the leg. He went to a urologist several times, but he said it was normal, no bacteria in the urine.

What test should be done to show which bacteria is in the sperm if sperm count doesn`t do it? Please help. We want a family and my husband's motility is only 34%. I guess bacteria is the reason. I want to help him to get rid of the pain too.

Thanks. Eva

Answer

Eva and her husband would like to have children but her husband has what sounds like symptomatic chronic prostatitis and reduced sperm motility. Chronic prostatic inflammation apparently can influence both the quantity and quality of sperm, so reducing its adverse effects will not only help increase the possibility of pregnancy but will lessen or eliminate the symptoms of prostatitis (which may include frequency and/or burning on urination, discomfort between the legs or in the genitals, low back pain, medial thigh pain, etc). It is rarely an infection, albeit certain antibiotics that concentrate well in the prostate do help. Additionally anti-inflammatories, reduction of caffeine intake, increase in water intake to dilute the urine, and recognition that stress may initiate or prolong the problem all help.

Fellows with documented prostatitis (the diagnosis is confirmed by examining the prostate and prostate fluid) who are also having an infertility problem benefit from chronic lo-dose antibiotics, sometimes anti-inflammatories, and the medication "ProXeed" (a nutrient for sperm that may be obtained over the internet @ www.proxeed.com).

Gregory Polito, MD

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